F-1 International Students

Travel for F-1 Students

Arrival

You may enter the US no more than 30 days before the program start date on your I-20.

When passing through immigration, you will be asked for your passport with I-94 card (the card you receive on the airplane) and your I-20.

The first time you come to study in the US, the school name on your visa must match the school name on the I-20. Later, if you transfer schools in the US and receive a new I-20, your visa and I-20 will no longer match. This should not present a problem for travel.

When entering the US, if immigration officers choose to register you under NSEERS and you are issued a FIN Number, please notify the International Student Advisor. You will subsequently be required to “Check-out” with US Immigration at your port of exit when departing the US. Failure to do so may require you to obtain a new visa before re-entering the US.

If you are traveling prior to your initial entry and are planning to apply for a visa during your travels, please be aware that you can only apply for a visa in the country of which you are a citizen.

Traveling During Your Stay

You may need a visa if traveling outside of the US. You can find this information on embassy websites.

Check to make sure your passport is valid

Check to make sure your F-1 visa is valid

You should obtain the signature of the International Student Advisor/Designated School Official on your I-20 prior to any trip out of the US.

If you have been registered in NSEERS, please ask the International Student Advisor about “Check-out Procedures.”

If you are out of the US for 5 or more consecutive months, you will lose your F-1 student status and be unable to re-enter the US. This is true whether you are a student, or an OPT participant.

You may apply for a visa only in your country of citizenship. If you apply at another embassy during your travels and are refused, you may not be able to re-enter the United States.

If participating in Optional Practical Training you will be able to depart/return to the US as long as you have:

A valid passport and valid F1 visa

Valid Employment Authorization Documentation (EAD Card)

Your expired I-20 with OPT noted

Not been outside of the US for 5 or more consecutive months

A travel letter from your employer, indicating that they are aware of your absence and return (This letter is not mandatory, but recommended.)

Departure from US

After completion of your program, you have a 60-day grace period during which you may remain in the US. This 60 day grace period begins on the day following the program end date on your I-20. You should not leave the US and then try to re-enter the US during that 60-day grace period

Check to make sure your passport is valid

If you have been registered in NSEERS, ask the International Student Advisor about “Check-out Procedures.”

If you are participating in Optional Practical Training you will be able to depart the US and return as long as you have:

A valid passport and valid F1 visa

Valid Employment Authorization Documentation (EAD Card)

Your expired I-20 with OPT noted

Not been outside of the US for 5 or more consecutive months

A travel letter from your employer, indicating that they are aware of your absence and return (This letter is recommended, not mandatory.)